Losing weight [1] can be accomplished by following a healthy diet and being active. Having a healthy diet includes eating nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables, protein [2], starch, and dairy. In order to stay on track, we compiled a comprehensive list of easy recipes that can help aid weight loss by providing your body with the nutrition it needs. With everything from low-calorie pasta dishes to tasty vegan desserts and even Jennifer Aniston [3]'s favourite quinoa salad, these recipes will fill you up without weighing you down. Get your daily intake of good-for-you-foods now, and enjoy a well-balanced diet all week long. Whether you're in need of quick meal ideas that are healthy, or you're looking for that hit-the-spot treat that's low in calories, there's something on this list for everyone. So pass your plate, and enjoy!
— With Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, Hedy Phillips, Hajar Larbah, Jenny Sugar, and Amanda Prahl
Apple Cabbage Detox Salad
For a lightened-up take on classic coleslaw, whip up this detox salad. Apples marry with the dynamic duo of red and Savoy cabbage, combining for a fibre-filled meal that aids in digestion. The addition of fennel seeds adds to the fibre factor, plus a kick of cayenne boosts your metabolism.
Get the recipe: apple cabbage detox salad [5]
Baked Salmon
Throw everything onto a sheet pan to cook this dish, and serve it with a side of couscous or brown rice.
Get the recipe: baked salmon [6]
Farro Kale Salad
This hearty salad goes well with a nice cut of lean chicken and cup of fruit.
Get the recipe: farro kale salad
Indian Chicken Skillet
This dish is perfect for meal prep — it all comes together in one pan and can be separated out for work lunches. Best of all? It's just eight grams of carbs per serving.
Get the recipe: Indian chicken skillet [7]
Sheet-Pan Fajitas
So tasty and ready in just 20 minutes. Serve the filling with low-carb tortillas or cauliflower rice.
Get the recipe: sheet-pan fajitas
Asian Chicken Salad
Drizzle this salad with some olive oil and serve it with a side of grains.
Get the recipe: Asian chicken salad [8]
Chinese Chicken Edamame Salad
Most of the carbs in this dish come from the dressing — swap it out for a lower-carb option, and you've got a great healthy salad.
Get the recipe: Chinese chicken edamame salad [9]
Bento Salad
This salad has everything you need except a grain, but we recommend brown rice.
Get the recipe: bento salad
Healthier Cobb Salad
Loaded with oversize portions of bacon, blue cheese, avocado, and fatty dressing, you can easily eat half your recommended calories for the day in one sitting. Opt for this healthier 375-calorie Cobb salad that still hits all the notes you love about the classic.
Get the recipe: healthier cobb salad
Watermelon Salad
This refreshing salad can be served with a grain of your choice.
Get the recipe: sesame ginger kale salad [10]
Taco Salad
The homemade coriander-lime dressing gives this taco salad a fresh and zesty flavour. The layered ingredients also offer 20 grams of both protein and fibre. Prep this salad in advance and store in your fridge for a ready-to-go meal.
Get the recipe: taco salad [11]
Veggie and Hummus Sandwich
If you're tired of vegan-friendly sandwiches that don't satisfy, prepare to build the best veggie sandwich ever. Hummus and avocado provide the fibre and protein you need to stay fuelled, and layers of tasty veggies offer crunch, flavour, and important nutrients your body needs.
Get the recipe: veggie and hummus sandwich [12]
Kale Sesame Chicken Salad
A side of whole-wheat bread to help you get these greens onto your fork is the perfect addition to this salad.
Get the recipe: kale sesame chicken salad
Cucumber, Black Bean, Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
Try crumbling hard-boiled eggs over this salad and serving it over a bed of brown rice.
Get the recipe: cucumber, black bean, corn, tomato, and avocado salad [13]
Pesto Pasta Salad
Throw some grilled chicken or tofu on top of this pasta salad for a complete meal.
Get the recipe: pesto pasta salad [14]
Lemon-Pepper Chicken
Serve this flavourful roasted chicken with a side of green vegetables or a salad.
Get the recipe: lemon-pepper chicken [15]
Warm Artichoke and Mushroom Salad
Serve this salad with some lean chicken and wild rice.
Get the recipe: warm artichoke and mushroom salad
Cod With Asparagus
The juice from this dish will soak right into whatever grains you serve it with to create a comforting meal on a cold day.
Get the recipe: cod with asparagus
Raw Gorilla Wraps
Give your cold-cut sandwich routine a rest and opt for this creative lunch instead. These fresh, raw, and fast wraps feature a unique filling: ground walnuts, seasoned with tamari, cumin, and other spices, and topped with your favourite salsa. It's a great alternative if you're watching your carb intake.
Get the recipe: raw gorilla wraps [16]
Jennifer Aniston's Favourite Quinoa Salad
It's high in fibre, iron, and vitamin C, so you can see all the healthy reasons actress Jennifer Aniston [17] loves this simple quinoa salad. Think of it as a bulked-up tabbouleh, since detoxifying parsley lays the base of the greens, while a scoop of quinoa and diced avocado provide over 60 percent of your daily recommended fibre. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top for a brighter flavour and even more detoxifying power.
Get the recipe: Jennifer Aniston's favourite quinoa salad [18]
Thai Peanut Soba Noodles
Craving pasta? Make this Thai-inspired soba noodle salad and you'll enjoy a protein-rich and fibre-full lunch.
Get the recipe: Thai peanut soba noodles [19]
Not-Tuna Salad
Spruce up your usual salad and make this this protein-rich not-tuna salad fortified with an entire can of garbanzo beans. The pecans and apple pieces add fibre while giving this dish a crisp, fresh flavour.
Get the recipe: not-tuna salad
Mexican Tempeh Quinoa Salad
Made with spices like cumin and cayenne to give your metabolism a kick, this Mexican tempeh quinoa salad offers the zesty, fresh flavour you're craving, and the tempeh offers a low-fat protein.
Get the recipe: Mexican tempeh quinoa salad [20]
Goop's Mustard Lentils
Naturally gluten-free and full of fibre, these tiny legumes are a healthy pantry staple you should always have on hand — and they're absolutely delicious in this lentil salad from Goop. Tangy and clean, this recipe makes for a light yet filling meal and even better leftovers; the longer this salad sits in the fridge, the better it tastes.
Get the recipe: Goop's mustard lentils [21]
Veggie Burrito Bowl
Offering nearly 22 grams of protein and 43 percent of your daily recommended fibre, this oh-so-easy recipe satisfies hunger as it supports your weight-loss goals. Assemble all your ingredients tonight, and pack it all up for an easy lunch at work tomorrow.
Get the recipe: veggie burrito bowl [22]
Chirashi Bowl
This light, refreshing meal is perfect for any day! Try this chirashi bowl, made with fresh vegetables, brown rice, and sushi-grade tuna, the next time you're hankering for takeout sushi.
Get the recipe: chirashi bowl
Turmeric-Spiced Mushroom Pilaf
Tasty turmeric-spiced mushroom pilaf is a debloating recipe that's comforting on a cold afternoon.
Get the recipe: turmeric-spiced mushroom pilaf [23]
Watermelon, Feta, and Arugula Salad
Whatever protein and grain you're in the mood for will pair perfectly with this bright, summery salad.
Get the recipe: watermelon, feta, and arugula salad
Chicken Salad
Top a slice of whole-wheat bread with this delicious chicken salad for a satisfying lunch.
Get the recipe: chicken salad [24]
Chinese Chicken Salad
Colourful, crispy, and packed with nutrition, this Asian chicken salad is a much healthier alternative to ordering out at a restaurant. It tastes amazing, so you won't feel like you're missing out!
Get the recipe: Chinese chicken salad [25]
Flat-Belly Salad
To keep this salad super healthy, add some grilled chicken on top and just a touch of wild rice.
Get the recipe: flat-belly salad [26]
Grilled Chicken Salad
Swapping out the herb sherry vinaigrette for a lower-carb dressing [27] will make this healthy salad even more virtuous.
Get the recipe: grilled chicken salad
Buffalo Chicken Wings
These chicken wings are just as good, if not better, than what you'd find in a restaurant, but they don't have any carby breading weighing them down.
Get the recipe: buffalo chicken wings
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Add some tofu or chicken to this salad for a balanced meal.
Get the recipe: Mediterranean quinoa salad [28]
Thai Beef Salad
Throw some avocado on top of this protein-packed salad and you're all set.
Get the recipe: Thai beef salad [29]
Avocado Chicken Salad
You can have whole grains on a low-carb diet, but for even fewer carbs, eat the salad with a fork or serve it in a lettuce wrap.
Get the recipe: avocado chicken salad [30]
Burrito Bowl
Build this burrito bowl starting with brown rice, and top it with avocado.
Get the recipe: burrito bowl [31]
Spiced Carrot Soup
Have a slice of whole-wheat toast with this soup to soak up all the tahini goodness.
Get the recipe: spiced carrot soup [32]
Quinoa Cabbage Salad
You can either toss some chicken into this salad or serve it on the side.
Get the recipe: quinoa cabbage salad [33]
Chickpea Avocado Salad
Serve this on whole-wheat bread or an English muffin and have some scrambled eggs on the side for a filling breakfast.
Get the recipe: chickpea avocado salad [34]
Tomato Lentil Soup
Serve this delicious soup with a side salad that has lots of veggies and is topped with lean chicken and olive oil and vinegar.
Get the recipe: tomato lentil soup
Kale Caesar Salad
This Caesar salad can be topped with your protein of choice and served with a grain like couscous for balance.
Get the recipe: kale Caesar salad [35]
Banana Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Give your morning a fruity wake-up call with this yummy slow-cooker oatmeal.
Get the recipe: banana steel-cut oatmeal [36]
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you love pumpkin pie but don't love the carbs, these grain-free cookies are the perfect choice. Even better? They're totally vegan.
Get the recipe: gluten-free pumpkin chocolate chip cookies [37]
Yoghurt-Filled Cantaloupe
For a refreshing breakfast, try this yoghurt-filled cantaloupe with a slice of whole-wheat toast.
Get the recipe: yoghurt-filled cantaloupe
Keto Caramel Pecan Cookies
These caramel pecan cookies taste just like pecan pie — and with ingredients like almond flour and xantham gum, they're far more virtuous.
Get the recipe: keto caramel pecan cookies [38]